This is the first Scalzi book I've read -- yeah, I know, my bad, but I haven't read any scifi/fantasy until just recently; after a decade or so of wallowing in other genres.

That it's the last volume in a multi-book universe is pretty much how I sometimes fall into things, but it puts me in the position of being able to review this book as a stand-alone. From that point of view I have to say that I thought it held up very well. Scalzi did a good job of backfilling the story to put Zoe's adventure into context, and I never once felt lost.

Now by every other determinant, I have to say that I found "Zoe's Tale" to be more of a YA book than an 'adult-adult' book. The story is interesting, the pacing quick, the writing good... however the emotional tone is simplistic, which is to say when people/Obin are dying no body's running amok tearing their hair out. In addition, the plotting is not devious nor, in fact, complete. For example, there are very interesting creatures that are introduced, made to look like they might be integral to the plot, but they aren't heard from again. (They provide an instrument to move the story ahead and that's it.)

All in all, I enjoyed "Zoe's Tale", though I had to put on my YA/MG mindset. It would be suitable, by the way, for MG (middle schoolers) if some mild cursing is allowable. No real violence. No real adult situations. The writing is fun and funny. Scalzi's a good story teller.

Pam T~
mom and reviewer for BooksforKids-reviews ( )

While Zoe's Tale is retelling of a story already gone by in The Last Colony, it is a refreshing tale from a new and unique point of view. We also get to see some of the things that were done behind the scenes, obviously, as we see everything "on screen" that Zoe is doing. ( )

Not bad even if you've just finished 'The Last Colony' as I just did. Possibly worse if you haven't, not a good introduction to the universe, and no idea in my mind how it would stand alone as the YA book it is ( )

A retelling of the Last Colony (the 3rd book in the Old Man's War trilogy) from Zoe's perspective. Very well done, and interesting both for the story as well as an artistic exercise. ( )

Surprisingly well written. Zoe's point of view was fresh and refreshing and really makes this book worth reading. Its a slow moving book without too much action, but what action there is is entertaining. A good book for people who like interesting characters. ( )